This is the first story collection ever from bestselling fantasy and science fiction writer L. E. Modesitt, Jr. Modesitt began publishing short fiction in the science fiction magazines in the 1970s, and this collection includes a selection of stories from the whole of his career. Some of the early stories are kernels for his early science fiction novels, others display the wide range of his talents and interests, from satire to military adventure. This book also contains three new stories that have never been published before: "Black Ordermage," set in Modesitt's best-selling "Recluce" series; "Beyond the Obvious Wind," set in his Corean Chronicles universe; and "Always Outside the Lines," which is related to the Ghost of Columbia books. The hardcover edition generated many enthusiastic reviews, often including in-depth assessments of his entire career. "Viewpoints Critical" is an excellent introduction to the work of one of the major science fiction and fantasy writers publishing today.